It’s the most wonderful time of the year…!
If you’re like me, this time of year conjures joy and excitement for the holidays and the special gatherings that surround them. The delight that our children take in imagining what’s beneath the Christmas tree and in gazing at sparkling lights and ornaments is irresistible. I find myself smiling at the sight of seasonal treats like gingerbread men and peppermint ice cream, and also at the greater kindness we seem to show to one another as the year draws to a close. Hearing the Salvation Army bell ringers outside of our shops reminds me, very essentially, that goodness and generosity remain strong in our community and in each of us.
Richmond is full of holiday merriment. Here are just a few of the many opportunities to enjoy our city and region in holiday splendor. Take time over the weekends or after work to treat yourself to the wonder of the season… afterall, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!
- Yuletides at Agecroft: Christmas open house at Agecroft Hall. Experience Christmas from three different eras: England in 1640, London in 1860, and Richmond in 1942. December 9, 12:30-5:00.
- Byrd Theatre: Special features of holiday classics from Die Hard to It’s a Wonderful Life, movies at the Byrd are not to be missed! Christmas Mondays happen every week in December and there will be three showings of It’s a Wonderful Life between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Miracle at the Zoo Christmas Pageant: On December 21, 22, and 23, the Richmond Metro Zoo will stage a live nativity pageant featuring our local zoo animals. The 20-minute pageant is family friendly, free to the public, and runs three times per night at 7:00, 7:45, 8:30. There will be hot chocolate and donuts for sale and a meet and greet with the cast (animals, included!) after the each show.
- Maymont Mansion Holiday Tours: A gorgeous and festive event for the whole family to enjoy. The Maymont Mansion is decorated at the height of its Victorian style, featuring a 12-foot Christmas tree, piles of gifts, and lavish decorative displays. Tour space may be limited, so consider advance registration. Tuesdays-Sundays, through January 6, 2019, 12-5pm, Maymont Mansion. An admission contribution of $5 is recommended.
- Hip Hop Nutcracker: An energetic extravaganza stops by RVA on an international tour. This holiday mashup combines contemporary performance elements and a modern story with Tchaikovsky’s classical music. Tickets prices range from $35 to $65. December 30, 7:00 at Altria Theater.
- GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens: An enchanting Richmond tradition that reinvents itself every holiday season. This year over a million lights bring to life festive interpretations of well-known art pieces. Tickets range from $5-$13. The display is open nightly through January 7 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), 5:00 to 10:00 pm.